Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A device, comprising: a biometric sensor; and a processing system configured to: receive, from the biometric sensor, data corresponding a first attempt to validate an identity of a user, wherein the first attempt corresponds to the biometric sensor capturing a first biometric image of the user; determine that a score associated with the data corresponding to the first attempt does not satisfy a first authentication threshold for authentication, wherein the first authentication threshold corresponds to the first attempt; subsequent to determining that the first attempt does not satisfy the first authentication threshold, receive, from the biometric sensor, data corresponding to a second attempt to validate the identity of the user, wherein a second authentication threshold corresponds to the second attempt, wherein the second authentication threshold is higher than the first authentication threshold, wherein the second attempt corresponds to the biometric sensor capturing a second biometric image of the user, and wherein the second attempt is a next attempt at validating the identity of the user following the first attempt; determine whether a score associated with the second attempt satisfies the second authentication threshold; and if the score associated with the second attempt does satisfy the second authentication threshold, validate the identity of the user in response to determining that the score associated with the second attempt does satisfy the second authentication threshold.
Biometric authentication systems often face challenges in balancing security and user convenience. A device addresses this by dynamically adjusting authentication thresholds based on successive attempts. The device includes a biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition scanner, and a processing system. During a first authentication attempt, the biometric sensor captures a biometric image of the user, and the processing system evaluates the data against a first authentication threshold. If the score derived from the biometric data does not meet this threshold, the system proceeds to a second attempt. For the second attempt, the processing system applies a higher authentication threshold, requiring stricter matching criteria. The biometric sensor captures another biometric image, and the processing system assesses whether the new score meets this elevated threshold. If it does, the user's identity is validated. This approach enhances security by increasing the difficulty of successful spoofing or unauthorized access while maintaining usability for legitimate users. The system ensures that repeated attempts require progressively higher confidence levels, reducing the likelihood of false positives and unauthorized access.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein over a series of attempts to validate the identity of the user, each attempt in the series of attempts has a corresponding threshold for authentication according to a threshold schedule, wherein the threshold schedule over the series of attempts satisfies a security condition.
This invention relates to a security device for user authentication, specifically addressing the challenge of balancing security and usability in identity verification systems. The device implements a dynamic threshold schedule for authentication attempts, where each attempt in a series has a corresponding authentication threshold. The threshold schedule is designed to satisfy a predefined security condition, ensuring that the cumulative security level remains robust while allowing for multiple attempts. This approach prevents unauthorized access through repeated guessing while maintaining a user-friendly experience. The device likely includes components for capturing biometric or credential data, processing this data against stored templates or databases, and adjusting authentication thresholds based on the threshold schedule. The security condition may involve metrics such as false acceptance rate, false rejection rate, or computational complexity, ensuring that the system remains secure even if multiple attempts are made. This method is particularly useful in high-security applications where both strict security and user convenience are required.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the security condition comprises a false acceptance rate in a range of 1 in 10,000 attempts to 1 in 100,000 attempts.
Biometric authentication systems, particularly those using fingerprint recognition, often struggle to balance security and usability. A high false acceptance rate (FAR) compromises security, while a low FAR may lead to excessive false rejections, frustrating users. This invention addresses the need for a biometric authentication device that achieves a precise security threshold without sacrificing user experience. The device includes a biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint scanner, and a processing unit configured to analyze biometric data. The processing unit applies a security condition to the authentication process, specifically a false acceptance rate (FAR) set within a defined range. The FAR is calibrated to fall between 1 in 10,000 attempts and 1 in 100,000 attempts, ensuring a high level of security while maintaining acceptable usability. The device may also include additional features, such as liveness detection to prevent spoofing and adaptive threshold adjustment to optimize performance based on environmental factors or user behavior. By enforcing this strict FAR range, the device minimizes unauthorized access while reducing the likelihood of legitimate users being denied access. This balance is critical for applications requiring high security, such as financial transactions, secure facility access, or personal device unlocking. The invention improves upon existing biometric systems by providing a quantifiable and adjustable security metric, enhancing both reliability and user trust.
4. The device of claim 2 , wherein the series of attempts includes a number of attempts between 2 and 100.
A system for optimizing communication between a transmitter and a receiver involves a device that adjusts transmission parameters based on feedback from the receiver. The device includes a transmitter configured to send signals to a receiver and a feedback module that receives response signals from the receiver. The feedback module analyzes these responses to determine the quality of the communication link. The device also includes a controller that adjusts transmission parameters, such as power, frequency, or modulation scheme, based on the feedback. The controller may implement a series of attempts to optimize the communication link, where each attempt involves modifying one or more transmission parameters and evaluating the resulting signal quality. The number of attempts in this series is configurable, ranging between 2 and 100, allowing for flexibility in balancing optimization time and performance. This system improves communication reliability and efficiency by dynamically adapting to changing environmental conditions or receiver capabilities. The device may also include a memory for storing historical data on transmission parameters and signal quality, enabling the controller to make more informed adjustments. The feedback module may further include error detection and correction mechanisms to enhance data integrity. The overall system ensures robust communication by continuously monitoring and refining transmission settings.
5. The device of claim 2 , wherein the threshold for authentication increases for each attempt in the series of attempts.
A device for secure authentication systems addresses the problem of unauthorized access attempts by implementing an adaptive security mechanism. The device includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform a series of authentication attempts. Each attempt involves receiving input from a user, comparing the input to stored authentication data, and determining whether the input matches the stored data. If the input does not match, the device records the failed attempt and increases the authentication threshold for subsequent attempts. The threshold increase may involve stricter criteria, additional verification steps, or delayed response times to deter brute-force attacks. The device may also log failed attempts and trigger additional security measures, such as locking the system or notifying an administrator, after a predefined number of consecutive failures. This adaptive approach enhances security by dynamically adjusting the difficulty of authentication based on the frequency and pattern of failed attempts, reducing the likelihood of successful unauthorized access.
6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the threshold for authentication increases linearly for each attempt in the series of attempts.
This invention relates to authentication systems, specifically improving security by dynamically adjusting authentication thresholds based on repeated access attempts. The problem addressed is the vulnerability of static authentication systems to brute-force attacks, where an attacker repeatedly attempts to bypass security measures without penalty. The invention introduces a device that monitors a series of authentication attempts and increases the difficulty or threshold for successful authentication linearly with each subsequent attempt. For example, if an initial attempt fails, the next attempt may require a higher level of verification, such as additional biometric data or a more complex password. This progressive increase in threshold deters attackers by making repeated attempts increasingly difficult, while legitimate users experience minimal disruption. The device may also include mechanisms to reset the threshold after a successful authentication or a predefined period of inactivity. This adaptive approach enhances security without requiring users to memorize complex credentials or undergo lengthy verification processes during normal use. The invention is particularly useful in high-security environments like financial systems, healthcare records, or enterprise networks where unauthorized access poses significant risks.
7. The device of claim 5 , wherein the threshold for authentication increases non-linearly for each attempt in the series of attempts.
The invention relates to authentication systems, specifically devices that adjust authentication thresholds based on repeated access attempts. The problem addressed is the need to balance security and usability in authentication systems, particularly when faced with repeated unauthorized access attempts. Traditional systems often use linear or fixed thresholds, which may either fail to deter attackers or frustrate legitimate users. The device includes an authentication mechanism that evaluates a series of access attempts. For each attempt in the series, the threshold for successful authentication increases non-linearly. This means the difficulty or complexity of authentication rises more steeply with each subsequent attempt, making it progressively harder for an attacker to succeed while minimizing inconvenience for legitimate users. The non-linear increase can be based on factors such as time between attempts, number of attempts, or other contextual data. The system may also include mechanisms to reset or adjust the threshold under certain conditions, such as after a period of inactivity or upon successful authentication. This approach enhances security by dynamically adapting to potential threats while maintaining usability for authorized users.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein over a series of attempts to validate the identity of the user, each attempt in the series of attempts has a corresponding threshold for authentication, wherein the corresponding thresholds for authentication monotonically increase over the series of attempts.
This invention relates to user authentication systems, specifically a device that adaptively adjusts authentication thresholds based on repeated validation attempts. The problem addressed is the need to balance security and usability in authentication systems, particularly when a user repeatedly fails to pass identity verification. Traditional systems often use fixed thresholds, which can either be too lenient (allowing unauthorized access) or too strict (frustrating legitimate users). The device includes a mechanism that monitors authentication attempts and dynamically increases the difficulty of subsequent attempts. For each attempt in a series of validation trials, a unique threshold is applied, with each threshold higher than the previous one. This ensures that repeated failed attempts progressively require stronger evidence of identity, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access while still allowing legitimate users to eventually succeed. The thresholds increase monotonically, meaning they do not decrease over time, ensuring a consistent security escalation. This approach is particularly useful in high-security environments where multiple failed attempts may indicate an attack, necessitating stricter verification measures. The system may also include additional features, such as biometric or multi-factor authentication, to further enhance security. The adaptive threshold mechanism helps prevent brute-force attacks while maintaining a user-friendly experience for authorized individuals.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein validating the identity of the user comprises unlocking the device.
A portable electronic device includes a biometric sensor for capturing biometric data from a user, such as a fingerprint or facial scan, and a processor configured to validate the user's identity based on the captured biometric data. The device also includes a secure storage module for storing encrypted biometric templates and a display for providing user feedback during the authentication process. When the biometric data matches a stored template, the device validates the user's identity and unlocks the device, granting access to its functions and data. The system may also include additional security measures, such as requiring multiple biometric inputs or combining biometric authentication with a secondary authentication factor like a passcode. The device is designed to enhance security by ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive information, while also providing a seamless and user-friendly authentication experience. The biometric validation process is performed locally on the device to maintain privacy and prevent unauthorized data transmission.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor comprises a fingerprint sensor.
A biometric authentication device includes a biometric sensor configured to capture biometric data from a user for authentication purposes. The biometric sensor is specifically implemented as a fingerprint sensor, which scans and analyzes fingerprint patterns to verify user identity. The device may further include a processing unit that processes the captured fingerprint data to compare it against stored biometric templates, determining whether the user is authorized. The system may also incorporate additional security features, such as encryption of biometric data or multi-factor authentication, to enhance security. The fingerprint sensor may be integrated into a portable or fixed device, such as a smartphone, access control system, or payment terminal, enabling secure and convenient user verification. The technology addresses the need for reliable, user-friendly authentication methods that reduce reliance on passwords or physical tokens while maintaining high security standards. The fingerprint sensor may use optical, capacitive, or ultrasonic sensing techniques to capture detailed fingerprint images, ensuring accurate and efficient authentication. The device may also include feedback mechanisms, such as visual or haptic indicators, to confirm successful authentication or prompt the user to reattempt if the scan fails. This implementation enhances usability and security in various applications, including mobile devices, financial transactions, and physical access control.
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the threshold for authentication is reset to the first authentication threshold after a first amount of time has elapsed.
A system for adaptive authentication in electronic devices addresses the problem of balancing security and user convenience. The system dynamically adjusts authentication thresholds based on usage patterns to reduce unnecessary authentication prompts while maintaining security. The device includes a sensor to detect user presence or activity, a processor to determine authentication thresholds, and a memory to store authentication data. The system initially sets a first authentication threshold, which is a lower security level requiring less stringent verification. If the user remains active or present, the system may increase the authentication threshold to a higher security level, requiring more rigorous verification. However, to prevent excessive security prompts, the system resets the authentication threshold back to the first, lower level after a predefined period of inactivity or time has elapsed. This ensures that users are not repeatedly challenged for authentication when they are actively using the device, while still enforcing security measures when necessary. The system may also include additional features such as biometric verification, password prompts, or other authentication methods to further enhance security. The adaptive threshold adjustment helps maintain a balance between security and usability, reducing user frustration while protecting sensitive data.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the threshold for authentication is reset to the first authentication threshold after validating the identity of the user.
13. A method for biometric authentication, comprising: receiving a first attempt to validate an identity using biometric information, wherein the first attempt corresponds to a biometric sensor capturing a first biometric image of a user; determining that the first attempt does not satisfy a first authentication criterion for authentication, wherein the first authentication criterion corresponds to the first attempt; subsequent to determining that the first attempt does not satisfy the first authentication criterion, receiving a second attempt to validate the identity using biometric information, wherein a second authentication criterion corresponds to the second attempt, wherein the second authentication criterion has a lower false acceptance rate than the first authentication criterion, wherein the second attempt corresponds to the biometric sensor capturing a second biometric image of the user, and wherein the second attempt is a next attempt at validating the identity of the user following the first attempt; determining whether the second attempt satisfies the second authentication criterion; and if the second attempt does satisfy the second authentication criterion, validating the identity in response to determining that the second attempt does satisfy the second authentication criterion.
Biometric authentication systems verify user identities using biological traits like fingerprints or facial features. A challenge in these systems is balancing security and usability, as strict authentication criteria may reject legitimate users, while lenient criteria may allow unauthorized access. This invention addresses this issue by dynamically adjusting authentication criteria based on prior failed attempts. The method involves a biometric sensor capturing a first image of a user for authentication. If the first attempt fails to meet a predefined authentication criterion, the system receives a second attempt. The second attempt uses a stricter authentication criterion with a lower false acceptance rate, meaning it is less likely to incorrectly accept an unauthorized user. The system then evaluates whether the second attempt meets this stricter criterion. If it does, the user's identity is validated. This approach enhances security by tightening authentication requirements after an initial failure, reducing the risk of unauthorized access while maintaining usability for legitimate users. The method ensures that subsequent attempts are more rigorous, improving overall system reliability.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first authentication criterion comprises a first threshold value, wherein the first authentication criterion is satisfied if a score associated with the first attempt is greater than or equal to the first threshold value; and wherein the second authentication criterion comprises a second threshold value, wherein the second authentication criterion is satisfied if a score associated with the second attempt is greater than or equal to the second threshold value.
This invention relates to authentication systems that evaluate multiple authentication attempts using distinct criteria. The problem addressed is ensuring secure and flexible authentication by dynamically assessing different attempts against separate threshold values. The system processes a first authentication attempt by comparing its associated score to a first threshold value. If the score meets or exceeds this threshold, the first authentication criterion is satisfied. Similarly, a second authentication attempt is evaluated against a second threshold value. If the second attempt's score meets or exceeds this second threshold, the second authentication criterion is satisfied. This approach allows for differentiated evaluation of multiple authentication attempts, enabling adaptive security measures based on varying levels of confidence in each attempt. The thresholds can be adjusted to balance security and usability, ensuring robust authentication while accommodating different levels of risk. The system may integrate with broader authentication frameworks, such as multi-factor authentication, to enhance security protocols. The invention improves upon prior art by providing granular control over authentication criteria, reducing false positives and negatives in security assessments.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein over a series of attempts to validate the identity, attempt in the series of attempts has a corresponding authentication threshold according to a threshold schedule, wherein the threshold schedule over the series of attempts satisfies a security condition.
This invention relates to identity validation systems, specifically methods for dynamically adjusting authentication thresholds across multiple validation attempts to enhance security. The core problem addressed is balancing security and usability in authentication processes, where rigid thresholds may either frustrate legitimate users with excessive verification steps or weaken security by allowing repeated access attempts. The method involves a series of identity validation attempts, each with an authentication threshold determined by a predefined threshold schedule. This schedule ensures that the thresholds collectively satisfy a security condition, such as progressively increasing difficulty or varying challenge types to deter unauthorized access. The thresholds may adjust based on factors like prior attempt outcomes, user behavior patterns, or risk assessments. For example, after an initial failed attempt, subsequent attempts might require stronger authentication (e.g., biometrics or multi-factor verification) to meet the security condition. The system may also incorporate adaptive rules, such as locking accounts after a threshold of failed attempts or reducing friction for verified users. The method improves upon static authentication systems by dynamically responding to access patterns, reducing false positives (legitimate users blocked) and false negatives (unauthorized access granted). This approach is particularly useful in high-security environments like banking, healthcare, or enterprise systems where both security and user experience are critical. The threshold schedule can be customized for different risk levels or user profiles, ensuring flexibility while maintaining robust security.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the security condition comprises a false acceptance rate in a range of 1 in 10,000 attempts to 1 in 100,000 attempts.
This invention relates to biometric authentication systems, specifically improving security by controlling the false acceptance rate (FAR) during identity verification. The method involves evaluating biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, against stored templates to determine a match. A key aspect is dynamically adjusting the security condition to ensure the FAR remains within a specified range, between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 100,000 attempts. This range balances security and usability, preventing unauthorized access while minimizing false rejections of legitimate users. The system may include preprocessing biometric data, comparing it to enrolled templates, and applying threshold adjustments to maintain the desired FAR. Additional steps may involve liveness detection to prevent spoofing and adaptive scoring to account for environmental factors like lighting or sensor noise. The method ensures robust authentication by continuously monitoring and refining the verification process to meet strict security standards. This approach is particularly useful in high-security applications like banking, government access, or enterprise systems where both accuracy and reliability are critical.
17. The method of claim 13 , further comprising: after a pre-determined number of attempts to validate the identity using biometric information have failed to satisfy an authentication criterion, requiring the identity to be validated through a different mode of authentication.
A system and method for identity authentication involves using biometric information to verify a user's identity. The method includes capturing biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice patterns, and comparing it against stored biometric templates to determine a match. If the biometric data does not meet an authentication criterion after a predetermined number of attempts, the system switches to an alternative authentication mode. This alternative mode may include knowledge-based authentication, such as passwords or security questions, or another biometric method. The system ensures secure access by dynamically adjusting the authentication process when biometric validation repeatedly fails, reducing the risk of unauthorized access while maintaining usability. The method is particularly useful in high-security environments where multiple layers of authentication are required to prevent fraud or unauthorized entry. The system may also log failed attempts and trigger additional security measures, such as account lockouts or notifications, to enhance protection.
18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, causes a computing device to authenticate a user, by performing steps comprising: receiving data corresponding a first attempt to validate an identity of the user using biometric information, wherein the first attempt corresponds to a biometric sensor capturing a first biometric image of the user; determining that a score associated with the data corresponding to the first attempt does not satisfy a first authentication threshold for authentication, wherein the first authentication threshold corresponds to the first attempt; subsequent to determining that the first attempt does not satisfy the first authentication threshold, receiving data corresponding to a second attempt to validate the identity of the user using biometric information, wherein a second authentication threshold corresponds to the second attempt, wherein the second authentication threshold is higher than the first authentication threshold, wherein the second attempt corresponds to the biometric sensor capturing a second biometric image of the user, and wherein the second attempt is a next attempt at validating the identity of the user following the first attempt; determining whether a score associated with the second attempt satisfies the second authentication threshold; and if the score associated with the second attempt does satisfy the second authentication threshold, validating the identity of the user in response to determining that the score associated with the second attempt does satisfy the second authentication threshold.
This invention relates to a system for authenticating a user based on biometric information, specifically addressing the challenge of improving authentication reliability when initial biometric validation attempts fail. The system captures a first biometric image of the user, such as a fingerprint or facial scan, and evaluates the biometric data against a first authentication threshold. If the score derived from this data does not meet the threshold, the system initiates a second authentication attempt using a higher second threshold. The second attempt involves capturing another biometric image and comparing it against the stricter threshold. If the second attempt meets the higher threshold, the user's identity is validated. This adaptive approach ensures that authentication becomes more stringent after an initial failure, reducing false positives while maintaining security. The system is implemented via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing executable instructions for a computing device, enabling dynamic adjustment of authentication criteria based on prior validation attempts. This method enhances security by progressively increasing the difficulty of authentication when necessary, particularly useful in applications requiring high-security access control.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein over a series of attempts to validate the identity of the user, each attempt in the series of attempts has a corresponding authentication threshold according to a threshold schedule, wherein the threshold schedule over the series of attempts satisfies a security condition.
This invention relates to a system for user authentication that dynamically adjusts authentication thresholds across multiple validation attempts to enhance security. The system stores user authentication data on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and processes authentication requests by comparing input data against stored credentials. To prevent unauthorized access, the system implements a threshold schedule that modifies the required authentication criteria for each subsequent attempt. The threshold schedule ensures that security conditions are met, such as progressively increasing difficulty or enforcing stricter validation rules after repeated failed attempts. This adaptive approach balances usability and security by dynamically adjusting the authentication requirements based on the user's behavior during the validation process. The system may also include additional security measures, such as multi-factor authentication or biometric verification, to further validate the user's identity. The invention aims to mitigate risks associated with brute-force attacks and credential stuffing by making unauthorized access increasingly difficult with each failed attempt.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein the biometric information comprises fingerprint information, and wherein validating the identity of the user comprises unlocking the computing device.
A computing system uses biometric authentication to verify user identity for device access. The system captures biometric data, such as fingerprint information, and processes it to authenticate the user. Upon successful validation, the system unlocks the computing device, granting access. The authentication process involves comparing the captured biometric data against stored reference data to confirm a match. This method enhances security by replacing traditional password-based systems with more secure and convenient biometric verification. The system may also include additional security measures, such as multi-factor authentication, to further protect against unauthorized access. The biometric data is securely stored and processed to ensure privacy and prevent misuse. This approach is particularly useful for mobile devices, laptops, and other computing systems where quick and secure authentication is required. The system may also integrate with other security protocols to provide a comprehensive access control solution.
Unknown
January 16, 2018
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